Wicked Shizuku's Reviews

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Naruto (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 1: Includes Vols. 1, 2 & 3 (Naruto: Omnibus, #1)Naruto (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 1: Includes Vols. 1, 2 & 3 by Masashi Kishimoto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Volume 1:
I always find myself thinking
Photobucket
Of course we start the volume off with Chapter 1: Uzumaki, Naruto.
We are given a brief explanation of a monster nine-tailed demon fox attacking the village of Konoha(village Hidden in the Leaves). Then we are zoomed to present day events which shows our trouble making protagonist, Naruto. He has graffiti-ed the Hokage mountain that is a monument of the village leaders.
As we continue to read we find out that Naruto isn't the model student, and that he doesn't have any parents due to the Nine-Tail's attack. Which in a convoluted way you could say that this is one of the perfect underdog mangas in many ways.
Definitely a manga with stellar art.
Cheers and Happy Readings!

Volume 2:
This volume starts off with Chapter 8:That's why you're failures.
Team 7 have made it to the middle of their genin exam. It seems tougher than they ever imagined. This Kakashi-sensei seems like a dangerous opponent. It's up to you to find out what happens in this exciting manga.
Cheers and Happy Reading!

Volume 3:
We start off with Chapter 18: Training Commences.
Who ever would have thought that tree climbing could be considered training? I honestly fell in love with the explanation/theory of chakra. Just the possibilities that Masashi-san brought to the forefront of the what-ifs.
Meanwhile later we discover the villains which is interesting to see played.
Captivating scenes of determination await.
Cheers and Happy Readings!

View all my reviews
Naruto (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 2: Includes Vols. 4, 5 & 6 (Naruto: Omnibus, #2)Naruto (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 2: Includes Vols. 4, 5 & 6 by Masashi Kishimoto
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Volume 4:
Starting off with Chapter 28: Nine Tails!!
Thrown into the middle of the battle of Naruto vs. Haku. At the end of the last volume we are assaulted with the semi-death of Sasuke. This brings on an emergence of the Demon fox. Unknown to Naruto's generation is that the Nine Tails is sealed into Naruto. This trauma sends Naruto over the edge to fight Haku on a serious scale.
Meanwhile Kakashi battles it out with Headhunter Zabuza of the Mist. This is a brilliant battle, and still to this day I stare with amazement.
I hope that you enjoy the manga that had me hooked from the beginning.
Cheers and Happy Reading!

Volume 5:
We start this volume with Chapter 37: The Worst Match-up..!!
In the last chapter rookie 9 has been entered into the Chuunin Exams. Starting off on in this chapter Team 7 meet Rock, Lee. Who is a member of team Guy. Lee challenges Sasuke out of unrequited affection for Sakura.
My favorite scene in a good majority of this manga is when Sasuke gets his ass handed to him by a secondary character. I don't know where the effing appeal of Sasuke comes from. I hate everything about him, and I don't know why the Sandaime didn't have him in an insane ward after the obliteration of his family. Sakura and any chick who fangirls over him have absolutely no self respect. You effing sheep!
Okay with my rant over, I will now continue with the review. After Lee is reprimanded by Guy-sensei, Team 7 make their way to the examination room. Turns out we meet a good majority of the cast of characters in this middle chapter. I enjoyed this greatly. To find out how they overcome some of the scariest ninjas in the settings world; you'll have to read for yourself.
Cheers and Happy Reading!

Volume 6:
This volume starts off with Chapter 46: The Codeword Is...?!
The Forest of Death, teams are scattered about. Very soon we discover the many dangers. Team against team to reach the Central Tower. Kakashi's Team 7 are pitted against a team from the village hidden in the Rain. After being fooled by a transformation jutsu, Sasuke comes up with a long winded pass code, they fend off the team. They are ambushed yet again. This time by a more deadly enemy. Come and meet the big bad of the series.
Cheers and Happy Readings!

View all my reviews
Naruto (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 3: Includes Vols. 7, 8 & 9 (Naruto: Omnibus, #3)Naruto (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 3: Includes Vols. 7, 8 & 9 by Masashi Kishimoto
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Volume 7:
This kicks off with Chapter 55: "All out war---"
Sasuke is suffering from a high fever, and dreams of his present self against his child self. Meanwhile not in Emo Land of Sasuke. Team 10:Ino,Shika,Cho comes to save Sakura. Come along and read one of the most emotional displays of friendship I have ever read.

Volume 8:
We start off this volume with Chapter 64: Hokage's Message...!!
It's time to open the scrolls of Heaven and Earth. Turns out that both of them together summons a person. For Team 7 that person turns out to be Iruka-sensei. He explains the second test, and gives them the good news of their passing it. Now it's onto the next round of testing which is an elimination round for the official third round of the Chuunin Exams.
Cheers and Happy Readings!

Volume 9:
So we're starting off with Chapter 73: Announcement of Defeat...!?
During the third phase of the Chuunin exams it has came down to elimination matches, and now we're plopped into the middle of Ino vs. Sakura. It's a pretty emotional battle for the two rival friends. Well the match ends. I won't spoil it for you because you have to find that out for yourself. The next match is the one that I really liked even though it was short as well. Temari vs. TenTen. So what are you waiting for go get yourself a copy.
Cheers and Happy Reading!

View all my reviews
The Catcher in the RyeThe Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I don't get the appeal. I hate this character!
The many times I have started this book, and just put it back on my shelf...
 photo Attempt.gif

The people who are "in love" with this book...
 photo 0MvAy.gif
You just might need somebody to talk to.

View all my reviews
Throw It Down: Leaving Behind Behaviors and Dependencies That Hold You BackThrow It Down: Leaving Behind Behaviors and Dependencies That Hold You Back by Jud Wilhite
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I read this book hoping that it would give me a few helpful tips on kicking butts, boy was I wrong!I did not appreciate the tone of this book, nor does it go along with my personal beliefs.
Though there are some phrases that remind me much of what you would hear at an AA meeting.
That and the excellent grammar gives me pause to tear the author a new hole for reality to move in.
The problems presented in this short tome, are too vague for the reader to easily identify with the individual. People are much more complex, and just giving the reason that "God" was their solution to all of their problems. Making the point that we go out and socialize with our community, is the only way you can have wholesome sober fun. That the only way that you can be accepted and forgiven; and I quote,'Just keep showing up!' I really think that if you are ignorant enough, you could easily be manipulated and brainwashed with this type of literature while in a Rehab facility.
my little pony photo 1313118128919.jpg
Take it from a recovering addict, myself, that did it all myself because I had to want, to get better. That, and I have two little people that count on me to support and care for them. I didn't count on God to guide me thorough my withdrawals. Being smarter than the average bear; I delved into knowledge, always being told that it is the drive of what guides humanity through the ages. Thus, I have been studying religions, science, biology, literature, mythologies of many cultures, and general fiction for the past seven years with all of the fastidiousness my brain will allow. I willed myself to stop, and haven't looked back since.
This smacks of a big fat paycheck to me, and the intent of this book reflects that.
I'm sorry if this offends anyone that this book actually helped, but there is no consideration for Freedom of Religion; and isn't for someone who is just trying to quit smoking tobacco.

View all my reviews

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Catch-22Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 photo halkeye_pierce_zps226yzkce.jpg

An effing hysterical satire set in WWII. Not for everyone, or easily offended. Must posses a sense of humor, and at least elementary knowledge of the military to appreciate this book.
Watching a few episodes of M.A.S.H. Should get you in the mood to read it.
Heller did an awesome job on puns as well.

View all my reviews
“Insanity is contagious.”
“The Texan turned out to be good-natured, generous and likable. In three days no one could stand him.”
“Major Major had been born too late and too mediocre. Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. With Major Major it had been all three. Even among men lacking all distinction he inevitably stood out as a man lacking more distinction than all the rest, and people who met him were always impressed by how unimpressive he was.”
“He was sick with lust and mesmerized with regret”
Freedom from Depression: A Practical Guide for the JourneyFreedom from Depression: A Practical Guide for the Journey by James S. Gordon
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book and exercises seem to be making a vast difference in my everyday life. Though I find it easier to say Goose-Fraba instead Soft Belly. That's been the only thing that I have had to substitute.

Though the corn, gluten, & dairy free is going to be quiet the hurdle. Corn syrup is in almost everything, and it's beyond expensive to follow, in rural Alabama.

I'm also very impressed that this guy has had the stones to tongue-lash the big pharmaceuticals.

Rock On Dude!

I have heard of and been doing most of the meditation and guided imagery for many years now.
I have some serious issues with the last session and a half. The section about forgiveness, and forgiving the people who have wronged you. In all honesty this is bunk, and does not accomplish anything except to help you pat yourself on the back. If you are forgiving yourself that's just fine and dandy. If you're forgiving someone who has continually f*#ked you over, then this leaves an opening for that person to waltz right back into your life and do it again. There are some wrongs that you feel the effects for years to come, and it isn't healthy to forget what put you in that place. Some people in fact prey on well adjusted people just to take pleasure from tearing them to pieces.
When it comes to Combat PTSD forgiveness of self is acceptable, and seems to be an effective method. I wouldn't suggest that you force or rush this with a Veteran though. This step is by far the hardest and most complicated.

View all my reviews
The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms YouThe Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Yes, I'm finding that a lot of this has illuminated a lot of things about myself. I find that a few of the exercises are helpful. Hopefully I will be able to get a lot of my other family members to read this, and that they can better understand me.
I did have to take this slow, and actually assert myself. Some of the excercises seem like that they are in the trial and error stage, but nothing ventured nothing gained right?

View all my reviews

Friday, July 15, 2016

Tinker (Elfhome, #1)Tinker by Wen Spencer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 photo Hello-Yes-This-Is-Dog_zps121lv8m7.gif

Hello dog, if your master asks if they should read this. This is how you should respond...
 photo Yes-Yes-GIF_zpspspvec5l.gif

View all my reviews
The Hunting of the SnarkThe Hunting of the Snark by Lewis Carroll
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh Lordy this was so hysterical!
Quivering Curds and all!


View all my reviews
Mort (Discworld, #4; Death, #1)Mort by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had a really hard iime adjusting to Pratchett's use of subseries, but I'm finding myself getting over it pretty quickly. I really enjoyed Mort's plot, and his tribulations were nothing short of hilarious.
Until next time.
Cheers Pretties!
discworld photo: DiscWorld StampS Discworld001.jpg

View all my reviews
Sourcery (Discworld, #5; Rincewind #3)Sourcery by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This should be Rincewind's theme song...
doom song photo thumb_klfdh.gif

Poor guy can never seem to catch a break.

View all my reviews
Wyrd Sisters (Discworld, #6; Witches #2)Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hmm. Should I continue?
 photo YES-reaction-animated-gif_zpsucwhpicb.gif

So I did, and it was a wonderful time.
I'm sure Pratchett had this to say when he handed this over to his editor.
 photo 11987095_685359691599473_6880709574081426760_n_zpsotwkdkls.jpg

View all my reviews
The Forest Bull (The Fearless, #1)The Forest Bull by Terry Maggert
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a really awesome read. The plot is well structured, and the characters excellently developed. There are some point of view switch-er-roo's that were utterly confusing. Hopefully the author irons this out in future books.

View all my reviews
Cat's Cradle Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an insane book!
Seriously though this story follows the family of the Father of the Atom Bomb!
Sometimes I should just read the synopsis of the book first; before jumping in like an idiot.

View all my reviews

Doomed to Succeed by Dennis Ross

Doomed to Succeed: The U.S.-Israel Relationship from Truman to ObamaDoomed to Succeed: The U.S.-Israel Relationship from Truman to Obama by Dennis Ross
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book has a simple Textbook format, and takes the reader from Truman's policy progressing year by year to the now. This describes the back and forth frustrations of America's relations to Israel. The later half of the book also includes Ross' involvement as early as the Nixon Administration, and has been extremely enlightening. Though at times this book really angered me. He's pictured on the right, so more of you can understand who this guy is.
dennis ross photo: Barack Obama and Dennis Ross obama_ross_0715.jpg

My questions:

1. I still have not puzzled out on the 'why' for Israel demanding the particular piece of land that their state sits on. Logistically, why? Wasn't enslavement by the Egyptians and the Holocaust enough punishment? I don't understand why a people would want to inhabit a land surrounded by a race/religion that says the Jews must die? (setting aside that Israel claims that it is their Holy Land. The problem is that the religion of Islam also claims the same thing. There has to be a bigger reason of why that place.) It's like throwing a match in a powder keg. Result is that it won't end well.

2. Instead of providing arms for any of these countries, why haven't we provided aid in agriculture, irrigation, and cattle only? Don't give them guns when they are to sorry to work a plow, because they would rather kill people while screaming their zealotry . If food is the problem teach them how to grow it. 'Teach a man to fish and all that rot.'

3. Another thing I just do not understand. Is; why the Jews? Persecution has happened numerous times to their race over the course of history. I understand that it happened, but not the WHY it happened. Does it really boil down to religion? Or is it only politics? Their genetic make-up? Charles Dickens?
charles dickens photo: Charles Dickens CharlesDickens.jpg

My opinions(pertaining to the book, but not limited to only the book):
soapbox photo: Mike' soap box MySoapBox.gif
*stepping up on my soapbox.*

1.Put some serious thoughts into Hydro-Electric cars. It would dampen our dependence on Saudi Oil. (I mean come on; Back to the Future's time machine ran off of Garbage. Why the hell do we not have this tech already?!
back to the future gif photo: Back to the Future b2tf.gif
IT'S 2016! Put my Tax dollars into the Science to make it happen! Chop! Chop!)

2. Stop Arming Foreign Countries. Period! (There are many countries in severe debt to the U.S. Time to start writing some bills with interest. I have to pay my own bills! Why not those who bought the arms to begin with?) Also nuclear power or weapons; is just a bad idea. (You don't hand a loaded pistol to a toddler, so why allow a dictatorship that availability?) Solar and wind are a costly option, but everyone will live if accidents happen. radioactive poisening photo: Radioactive 565072858.jpgThe Chernobyl disaster and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster are examples to keep in mind. America also needs to evaluate their dependence on it as well. If the democratic party wants to scream about the environment then I want more project updates to these causes with quarterly progress reports. On what was done and scientific read outs of how the project it has benefited the environment from projects completion.

3. The United States is not a charity organization, and every single disaster relief has yet to be returned in good faith. Time for some type of Quid-pro-Quo and stop throwing away my tax dollars! I didn't see Chinese offering fiscal aid when Hurricane Katrina tore it's way through Louisiana or any monetary loans by what was once the Ottoman Empire, to the relief of Winter Storm Sandy victims. Though every Tsunami or Major Earthquake to hit Asia or the Middle-East; the U.S. is just throwing money at them. Same with every other act of God to hit any other country. It isn't America's responsibility to act as Big Brother or Big Banker!

4. Legalize all Drugs, Regulate them, Distribute & Tax them (Addiction is a medical condition. If the addict makes the decision that they want to quit. They should not have to be scarred of losing their job or family due to state institution policies by going to Rehab. Besides, think of all the revenue it could generate. If an addict doesn't want to quit then we should leave it for the gods to sort out. They are going to use whether drugs are illegal or not. At least make sure that they have clean needles and paraphernalia; so they won't spread disease.) This in turn will empty out our prison systems, and leave plenty of rooms for the people who should be in. Like rapists, frauds, child support dodgers, murderers, pedophile psychos, and corrupt politicians. Another positive outcome would be the change in job disqualification, but at the same time will anger the entire black market. (Someone much smarter than myself can sort out that nightmare. I wouldn't know where to start.)
This guy has a pretty convincing argument.
https://onechance1life.wordpress.com/...

5. Improve the medical availability in: physical, rehabilitation, and mental ailments. Revisit the regulations on holistic medicine practice. Lot's of ailments can be curbed with specific diets. This has had a lot of progress in the fight against Cancer. (At the same time, put a leash on the pharmaceutical companies, and reevaluate EVERY licensed Dr. that has been writing to many prescriptions. Honestly with all of the Eagle Eye and fusion centers' shit going on you(government) finger pointing photo: Homer Wants You 2379175797_7d886109b5.jpg can't pull one over on citizens by turning a blind eye to what's going on.) Also the insurance companies need to be addressed. Premiums are ridiculous!

6. Since I have to pee in a cup to get a job. I think it's only fair that whoever applying for welfare for five kids that only sits, drinks booze, takes pills, and watches the Reality TV channel(just an example) all day every day; should have to do the same. STOP TREATING YOUR KIDS LIKE CHECKS!
Then individual states should regulate the Child support laws and rates after proven paternity testing(it's kind of hard denying maternity). Make it one flat fair rate due to the child's age with a re-evaluation appointment every year. (Children grow and so do their needs, but make sure their needs are being met. i.e. food, shelter, clothing, health, and education. RECEIPTS! KEEPING YOUR RECEIPTS IS THE EASIEST WAY TO PROVE YOU'RE DOING YOUR END RIGHT! JUST AN OBSERVATION!) Stop incarcerating people because they are one month late due to being laid off from their job. A year without payment, then yes, incarceration is acceptable. No effort to find a job for a year shows that the person doesn't WANT to take responsibility for their children, and SHOULD BE ADVISED TO sign 100% percent of custody to the parent suing for custody; resulting in ending child support. Making the suing parent get a job.
END THE BABY DADDY, DRAMA MAMA $H1T!
please stop gif photo: tumblr_m8bebfqkA11ru3kga_zps0dca6355.gif

7. Eliminate the Math Common Core education system. It's holding back the children who excel. (I end up being the one teaching my children 'how I learned it.' My son, boy wonder that he is, understands both ways. While my daughter doesn't get math until I show her the 'old way' Don't fix something that isn't broken to begin with!) In it's place start requiring: art, etiquette, and survival classes.

8. With many of the natural disasters that are happening due to floods and wildfires, I'm confounded by the lack of coverage and failure that our government has promised to provide. If it was such a bad idea to continue the Keystone project why not use the material and remaining funding to reroute water from known flood areas to areas in drought? Re-purpose the design to use that water for irrigation purposes across many states, and farmers of the areas would drop food and cattle prices if crops yield excess. Plants need water to GROW! This is basics of the basics in Agriculture and Economics. This would also subvert natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and Torrential Flooding of Louisiana in 2016. You have a chart for it, so why not make it happen?
disaster photo: Disaster 6a00d83451b64669e200e54f42b7648833-.gif

9.Last but not least; GET OUT THERE AND VOTE PEOPLE!

View all my reviews
It IS About Islam: Exposing the Truth About ISIS, Al Qaeda, Iran, and the CaliphateIt IS About Islam: Exposing the Truth About ISIS, Al Qaeda, Iran, and the Caliphate by Glenn Beck
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A very disturbing read. Learned a lot, but the book seemed way to short. I suggest that if your family has a soldier in the armed forces that you do them the favor of learning what they are fighting. Take it in and digest it, because you will be shocked.
The book doesn't cover everything (about Islam,) but this is a good start; so I'm expecting a vol.2,3,&4. Just so that it would balance out the alarmist tone that Beck uses way to often.
I don't agree with Beck on everything pretty much due to his tone usually, but I appreciate that he says that we shouldn't be ignorant. The Art of War, also states this."Know your enemy."
Beck simply lays out the structure of Isis, who they are, where they came from. Also the ones who funded this FUBARed situation, and how Obama's administration has bumbled on the threat assessment.

View all my reviews

"A Ring a-Ding-Ding" by Samantha Tolleson

  “A Ring a-Ding-Ding”   Cheery jingling airs Hurried purchases made Reunions after another year Incoming after not a whisper Se...